Gracious

by Niki Banning

Gracious. What comes to mind? 

Someone who answers with kindness, one who extends their hand when help is needed, a person who covers all things in a thick blanket of lovingkindness?

This is what comes to mind as I consider gracious.

And this is what wrecked me. 

Isaiah 30:18 (NIV) “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”

Did you catch that? Our Father LONGS to be gracious to you and me. His heart yearns to show us compassion, grace, and mercy. Our great big God who “speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets (Psalm 50:1 ESV)” desires to be kindhearted to us. 

All His power and majesty, all His might, all His authority–and He chooses–even longs–to extend grace to US. 

And I am humbled beyond words. 

My friend–He is a good Father. Allow Him to pour His graciousness over your tired and weary soul. Soak in His steadfast love today, and give Him all the praise.

This is His desire.